Like many, I really embraced the pandemic lifestyle. To kick off the year I decided to freshen up my self-isolation look starting with a bomb lip gloss. Mented was already on my mind as I was searching for a new foundation to try and saw they had this lip gloss trio on sale. Did I mention they were running a promo for free shipping? It’s like it was meant to be. Mented was already on my mind as I was searching for a new foundation to try and saw they had a lip gloss trio on sale.
I tried their nude gloss, Send Nudes, a few years ago but I wondered if these sheer colors would work well with my hue. I mean they say their products are for pigmented folks, but I feel like it’s trendy to say that these days and I am tired of being let down. Mented Cosmetics came through with natural-looking glosses. These sheer beauties went on smooth, not sticky, and have a light and pleasant fragrance. The color wore well and didn’t crack over time. For me, only wearing a couple layers at a time, about an hour or so passed before I felt like I needed to touch up my lips. I actually swipe my color over a base of lip balm. Most important these shades complimented my complexion and amped up my “I’m feeling cute” factor.
When I’m feeling sexy, I layer on Pink About Me, a subtle pink with a sprinkle of shimmer.
The shade I wear the most is Coralition. It’s described as a warm coral peach but it goes on my lips almost nude. After I let the first coat dry a bit, I’ll layer on a second coat for the perfect look.
In the last two photos, I am wearing two coats of #1 Cran.
What you’ll notice in each of my pictures is that the color and shine are subtle. As with any cosmetic, you have to experiment and find what works for you. I’ve had much luck with Mented. I’m glad I can support a woman-owned and Black-owned business – looking good and feeling good – by purchasing a product that is non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free.
This limited-edition set is now sold out but each color is still available for individual purchase. If you can’t wait for shipping, Mented is now available at Target and Ulta Beauty.
Note: Each of these photos were taken on the same around the same time of day sitting on the couch next to the window.
L. Bradley 